Antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy in the treatment of varicocele: a prospective study
Open Access
- 30 January 2002
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wiley in BJU International
- Vol. 89 (3), 264-268
- https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1464-4096.2001.02418.x
Abstract
Objective To assess the results of our experience in correcting primary varicocele using a modified technique of antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy. Patients and methods From December 1997 to February 2000, 201 patients with primary varicocele underwent antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy. Before treatment all patients were evaluated by a physical examination, colour Doppler ultrasonography of the spermatic cord, and abdominal and scrotal ultrasonography. Sperm samples were analysed only in patients aged > 18 years. The treatment was administered using a special venous catheter system with a Y-adapter. Complications after treatment and the rate of persistence of reflux were assessed 3 and 6 months after the antegrade scrotal treatment, by clinical examination and colour-Doppler ultrasonography of the spermatic cord. Results The mean operative duration was 15 min; there were no significant complications during treatment and all patients were discharged within 4 h. Complications after treatment occurred in 10 of the 201 patients (5%); four patients had epididymo-orchitis, three a scrotal haematoma, one a surgical wound infection, one persistent scrotal pain and one persistent flank pain on the same side as the surgery. Reflux was persistent in 12 patients (6%). Conclusions Antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy is a simple, minimally invasive and highly effective technique for blocking spermatic vein reflux, with a low rate of complications. The technical changes simplified the cannulation of the spermatic vein and facilitated antegrade phlebography and sclerotherapy using the air-block technique.Keywords
This publication has 21 references indexed in Scilit:
- Treatment of Varicocele for Male Infertility: A Comparative Study Evaluating Currently Used ApproachesEuropean Urology, 1998
- Financial analysis of antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy for men with varicocelesBritish Journal of Urology, 1996
- Antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy for the treatment of varicocele in childhood and adolescenceBritish Journal of Urology, 1995
- Laparoscopic varix ligationUrology, 1994
- The management of varicoceles by microdissection of the spermatic cord at the external inguinal ringFertility and Sterility, 1985
- Percutaneous Sclerotherapy of Varicoceles-an Alternative to Conventional Surgical MethodsBritish Journal of Urology, 1984
- Occlusion of varicoceles wih detachable balloons.Radiology, 1981
- Varicocelectomy and Male Fertility: Comparison of Semen Quality and Recurrence of Varicocele Following Varicocelectomy by Two TechniquesInternational Journal of Andrology, 1980
- Varicocelectomy: 986 cases in a twelve-year studyUrology, 1977
- Semen Characteristics Before and After Ligation of the Left Internal Spermatic Veins in Men with VaricoceleScandinavian Journal of Urology and Nephrology, 1975